If you are the victim of a flaky scalp, you understand the struggle. Although the white flakes on your shoulders are not cause for serious concern, they can be annoying and embarrassing. Dandruff is occasionally difficult to treat, but one way to address the problem is the use of essential oils. A 2015 review of studies found that several essential oils, which we’ll detail in this article, can be very helpful in controlling dandruff. 

Although white flakes of any sort can arise, excess oil is what causes dandruff. Malassezia is a yeast that naturally exists on the scalp and feeds off the oil that the scalp produces. The excess of yeast creates yellow-is flakes that are hard to prevent. It’s important to note that dry scalp and dandruff are not the same thing. Your skin flakes off if your scalp is dry, and that can stem from using the wrong shampoo, soap, stress, or the weather. Dandruff may seem similar to dry scalp, but it results from an overproduction of oil and overgrowth of malassezia. 

Many people with dandruff resort to anti-dandruff shampoos, but you can go a more natural route for experimentation. Several essential oils exhibit health properties that may help relieve symptoms of dandruff or improve overall scalp health. If you do experiment with the following essential oils, make sure to dilute them in a carrier oil prior to application. Additionally, always do a patch test on a small area of your arm to ensure that you don’t have a negative reaction. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of peppermint essential oil make it great for soothing an itchy scalp. Researchers note that this essential oil helps absorb excess oils on the scalp, which is why it exists in complex hair care formulas. Although it isn’t an anti-fungal treatment, it does work to clarify the scalp and improve overall scalp health. By absorbing excess oils on the scalp, some beauty experts believe that peppermint essential oil may help your dandruff problem.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil is another oil that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help control dandruff. One study found that a solution containing 10% lemongrass essential oil significantly reduced dandruff symptoms in participants. These participants applied the solution twice a day for seven and then 14 days. After seven days, there was a 15% reduction in dandruff symptoms. By day 14, the effects increased even more.

Rosemary Essential Oil

According to many studies, rosemary essential oil may help promote hair growth after consistent use. Additional studies note that rosemary essential oil has astringent, anti-fungal, and decongestant properties, all of which reduce excess oils, build-up, and flakes that accompany dandruff. The anti-fungal properties work to address the overactive fungal activity on the scalp, which is the origin of dandruff. 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is one of the most commonly recommended essential oils to remedy dandruff. Studies show that tea tree oil has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that work to ward off foreign invaders that try to attack your scalp. Tea tree oil also has antiseptic properties that work to alleviate the root cause of dandruff. You can add five to 10 drops of tea tree oil to eight ounces of shampoo. When you use this shampoo, let it sit on your hair before rinsing. That way the scalp can absorb the benefits. 

Bergamot Essential Oil

Many hair care products can cause build-up on the scalp that can clog your pores, increasing the risk of dandruff. The antimicrobial nature of bergamot essential oil helps reduce that build-up and reduce the growth of bacteria. Add a few drops of this essential oil to your shampoo and massage it into your scalp. Let it sit on your head for five minutes before reining out. 

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is known for its cleaning and antiseptic properties, making it a popular ingredient in DIY, non-toxic cleaning products. Those same properties work to gently cleanse the scalp and help remove oily debris. If oiliness contributes to your issues, or you are prone to acne, lemon essential oil may be the perfect oil for your scalp. Just make sure to dilute it in a carrier oil or shampoo for application.

SHARE:

The post 6 Essential Oils To Help Get Rid Of Dandruff appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

What’s not to love about lavender? Bees love it and it brings a burst of color to any garden in which it grows. The vibrant purple flowers offer a beautiful, relaxing aroma and a floral flavor that you can incorporate into beverages and more. It’s rare that people actually harvest their lavender and put the flowers to good use, though. Fortunately, this is a very easy process and we’ll detail simple ways to use what you harvest in this article. 

Why Should You Harvest?

Like most other plants, removing the flowering stems from the bush promotes new growth in the plants’ roots. This helps the plant thrive and it keeps it looking tidy. Harvesting the flowering stems not only extends the lifespan of the plant, but also gives the lavender bush more fragrant and fresh lavender flowers to work with in the future. Additionally, learning to use different plants that grow in your garden can help you reduce your reliance on damaging systems. You reduce your consumption of store bought items and you can live in a more eco-friendly and sustainable way. 

Health Benefits Of Lavender

There are many types of lavender, but the varieties with long stalks and big flower heads are very appealing. All lavender is wonderfully fragrant and can be incorporated into medicinal, cosmetic, and culinary applications. It’s an ancient herb that has been used for over 2,500 years, according to several sources. 

One of the primary benefits of lavender is that it helps promote relaxation, encouraging healthier sleep. Several studies indicated that lavender essential oil was a highly effective remedy for improving sleep quality in people who had difficulty sleeping. A variety of sources also found lavender to be helpful in calming nerves and anxious feelings. The flowers also exhibit antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which may accelerate the healing of minor burns and bug bites. Those same antiseptic properties, coupled with lavender’s antifungal activity, may inhibit the growth of several types of fungus. Finally, lavender essential oil may encourage healthier hair growth!

How To Harvest

When it comes time to harvest your lavender, cut a large group of flowering stems, cutting along the plant. Make sure to leave a few inches of green growth on the plant for future growth. Going down to the woody portion of the stem can stunt the plant’s growth. When you have a small bundle, wrap a rubber band around the bottom of the bundle. Open a small paperclip and use it as a hook to hang the bundle upside down in a cool, dry place. Let the lavender dry out for about a week and then you can use it.

Lavender-Infused Oil

Making your own lavender essential oil is very difficult, but infusing lavender into a carrier oil is very doable. There are a couple ways to infuse lavender, or any herb, into an oil. You can fill a glass jar with the lavender flowers and then pour carrier oil like sweet almond oil or jojoba oil to cover the flowers. Screw on the lid and leave it in the windowsill for about three weeks. You can then strain the oil. A quicker way is to add lavender flowers to a heat-safe glass jar, pour a carrier oil into the jar, and place that jar in a saucepan with an inch or two of water over low heat. Let that infuse for about an hour or two and then let the oil cool before straining. 

Lavender Floral Displays

If you grow a lot of lavender in your garden, it’s quite nice to invite its soothing scent into your home. Put fresh lavender cuttings in a simple vase arrangement, or include dried lavender flowers in a floral wreath. Take a wooden wreath base and clad it with lavender and rosemary for an aromatic summertime display. Wreaths aren’t just for the holidays!

Lavender Wands

For these wands, which can sell for big bucks in specialty stores, you’ll want to use freshly picked lavender. Just make sure that the flowers aren’t wet from rain or dew. You’ll need the stalks to be bendable as well. Tie a ribbon around the stalks and under the flower bundle to secure the flowers. Fold the stalks down evenly over the flower head bundle. Weave the ribbon over and under, around and around, the stalk until you completely enclose the flower head. Tie the ribbon at the bottom and you’re ready! Roll the finished wand between your palms to release lavender’s fragrance. 

Lavender And Rosemary Hair Rinse

A simple way to encourage healthier hair is by using a nourishing rinse. One thing you can easily do with lavender and rosemary is make a hair rinse. All you have to do is add a few sprigs of lavender and rosemary to a jar of filtered water. Allow it to steep overnight, strain it in the morning, and then add a little apple cider vinegar to it. The next step is to run that rinse through your hair while in the shower. You can experiment and find the right proportion of ingredients for your hair and preferences.

SHARE:

The post 4 Useful Things To Do With Your Lavender Harvest appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

When you say that you have an all-natural cleaner, you are typically referring to some concoction that contains vinegar. Although vinegar is an effective cleaning agent for various surfaces in the home, it can make your house smell a certain way, especially if you don’t scent it. If you don’t want your house to smell like pickle brine, the all-purpose cleaner in this recipe is for you. 

The major cleaning agent in this homemade cleaner is 70% isopropyl alcohol. That means that 70% is isopropyl alcohol and the other 40% is purified water by volume. 70% isopropyl alcohol kills organisms by denaturing and dissolving their lipids. Studies suggest that this type of alcohol is effective against most bacteria, many viruses, and fungi, but it is not effective against bacterial spores.

There is a good reason you see rubbing alcohol in most first aid kits. It exhibits antiseptic qualities, making it a great natural bactericidal treatment. One evidence review found that the time to 50% relief of postoperative nausea symptoms was faster when smelling rubbing alcohol than traditional anti-nausea medications. Alcohol is also an excellent surface disinfectant, so you can use it for thermometers, scissors, and other surfaces. Read on to learn more about this homemade alcohol cleaner. 

70% Isopropyl Alcohol

The higher the concentration of alcohol, the less effective it is at killing germs. You may think that 99% isopropyl alcohol is better at cleaning or sanitizing, but this is not the case. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that using 99% isopropyl alcohol to clean will cause immediate coagulation on the surface or cell wall proteins. That prevents the passage of alcohol into the cell itself, meaning that the alcohol cannot penetrate the virus or bacteria and kill it. The higher concentration almost creates a shield that protects bacteria, which is why the lower concentration is better for cleaning. 

Liquid Castile Soap

From floors to ceilings to your body and beyond, Castile soap is an excellent cleaner for almost anything and everything. Traditionally made from 100% pure olive oil, water, and lye, Castile soap is believed to have originated in the Castile region of Spain. It is an eco-friendly soap that contains powerful disinfecting essential oils, including tea tree and eucalyptus. You can use it on countertops, tile, tubs, toilets, and more! It’s important to note that you do not use Castile soap on waxed wood floors because it will break down the wax. If you have product build-up on your floors, consider using a vinegar and hot water solution first. 

All-Purpose Cleaner Without Using Vinegar

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup 70% isopropyl alcohol
• 3 drops liquid Castile soap
• Water
• 16-ounce glass spray bottle

Instructions:

• Pour rubbing alcohol into the glass spray bottle and then add the liquid Castile soap.
• An optional step is to add a few drops of your favorite essential oils. 
• Fill the rest of the bottle with water and screw on the top. Give your bottle a quick shake to combine the ingredients. 
• Spray mixture on your surfaces, wipe, and clean.

SHARE:

The post All-Purpose Cleaner Without Using Vinegar appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Providing the skin with nourishing ingredients is not merely for cosmetic purposes. When you deliver vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to the skin, you help maintain an optimal layer of defense against foreign invaders. Bacteria, pathogens, and other toxins from the environment try to plague your skin daily, increasing the risk for premature signs of aging or inflammation. The good news is that keeping your skin vibrant and healthy is fairly simple if you take the right approach.

Some people may be weary about applying certain ingredients to their skin, and rightly so. In regards to essential oils, for example, you should never apply them directly on your skin without diluting them. Mix them with a carrier oil of your choice and then apply them by skin patch testing. This means that you apply the essential oil mixture on a small area of your arm, for example, to observe if you have a reaction. If you do not have a reaction, then you can progress from there. 

Although you need to exercise caution when applying essential oils on the skin, they do exhibit impressive beauty benefits. They are highly concentrated and contain impressive plant compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, or anti-fungal properties. Continue reading to learn about the best essential oils for beauty and skin care. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is regularly used in aromatherapy for its calming and relaxation properties. Studies show that the scent may help relieve anxiety and symptoms of stress. New research indicates that lavender essential oil triggers the production of glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant. It also signals the body to produce catalase, and superoxide dismutase, two other antioxidants in the body. Glutathione comes to the rescue when cells are under stress. For this reason, researchers believe that lavender essential oil may promote healthy skin cells and protein synthesis, including collagen. 

Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense essential oil has been used for thousands of years in various beauty and medicinal applications. It is commonly added to various DIY beauty products, including homemade sun relief spray, aftershave, and facial scrub. Frankincense essential oil may exhibit healing properties when applied topically on the skin. Many people report that it soothes irritated skin and helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars. Research also shows that frankincense essential oil may reduce the effects of sun damage and help get rid of fine lines.

Patchouli Essential Oil

This is a favored essential oil in the beauty and skin care world because it exhibits anti-aging properties. Not only does it help with fine lines and wrinkles, but it may also promote skin healing and detoxification. It does have a very signature, earthy aroma that can be quite powerful. For this reason, beauty experts recommend pairing it with floral essential oils like lavender or geranium. Patchouli may assist with skin tightening and boosting overall complexion. It may be a great addition to a homemade beard oil because it reduces itch and irritation, while offering protection.

Rosehip Oil

Although this isn’t technically an essential oil, it does exhibit skin-enhancing qualities. Not only is it a wrinkle-fighter, but it also offers an impressive amount of vitamin C, which plays a vital role in collagen production. Additionally, rosehip oil contains oleic, palmitic, linoleic, and gamma linoleic acids, all of which are essential fatty acids. These fatty acids help to strengthen both your skin and nails. 

Myrrh Essential Oil

Different cultures have used myrrh essential oil for thousands of years, especially in beauty applications. Even the Ancient Egyptians recognized the value of myrrh, applying it to their bodies to maintain healthy skin and boost radiance. It works to moisturize, tone, and may even help naturally tighten the skin. According to research, myrrh essential oil may help unwanted blemishes fade away. The terpenoids and sesquiterpenes in myrrh help control inflammation and fight free radicals, supporting a more youthful glow. 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is known for its antiseptic, purifying, and cleansing properties, making it an excellent essential oil to add to your skin care routine. Many studies confirm that it helps balance uneven skin tone and texture. It may also reduce redness, balance oily skin, and help to calm inflammatory skin conditions. Tea tree oil also works to stimulate hair follicles for healthy hair growth, and it may protect against flaky scalp.

SHARE:

The post The Best Essential Oils For Beauty And Skin Care appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Over the years, we’ve shared a handful of DIY, non-toxic cleaning products. There are many people who want to reduce the amount of harmful chemicals they spray in their homes. That’s why we continue to post recipes for all-natural cleaning products, just like the homemade grease cleaner in this article. 

Once you discover a few ingredients that can clean various areas of your house, you never want to let them go. The reason for that is because you only need a few items to clean areas of your house. When it comes to grease, though, you need the right ingredients to cut through the grime. That’s where Castile soap comes into play! You can use this oil-based, biodegradable soap in DIY beauty and cleaning products!  For the entire recipe, you’ll need:

• 1.75 cups distilled water
• 2 tablespoons Castile soap
• 20 drops orange essential oil
• Spray bottle

Making The Grease Cleaner

The great thing about this DIY recipe is that you don’t need a double boiler, stand mixer, or any fancy kitchen appliance. A funnel and spray bottle will do the trick! You simply pour the distilled water into the bottle, followed by the Castile soap and essential oil. Both the soap and the essential oil work to clean, disinfect, and degrease the surface you decide to clean. The reason that this recipe calls for distilled water is because it helps to lengthen the shelf life of homemade cleaners. 

Castile Soap For Cleaning

Because Castile soap is oil-based, it is an excellent ingredient for dissolving grease or stubborn dirt. Chemically, like dissolves like, meaning that the best way to degrease your kitchen is by using an oil-based cleaner like Castile soap. If you see light grime, a simple solution of Castile soap and water can do the trick with a wipe down. For stubborn grease, you may need to use a toothbrush and some good old fashioned elbow grease. 

Orange Essential Oil

Not only does orange essential oil leave your kitchen smelling floral and citrusy, but it also works to remove sticky residue. A lot of DIY cleaning enthusiasts prefer orange essential oil for this reason. Orange essential oil also exhibits antiseptic and anti-fungal properties, which makes it an effective cleaner. It helps to get rid of dirt, dust, and even disease causing bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. Like Castile soap, orange essential oil is both an oil and chemical-free. Like dissolves like, people! That is the point of this degreaser, which you can learn how to make below. 

DIY Orange-Scented Grease Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1.75 cups distilled water
• 2 tablespoons Castile soap
• 20 drops orange essential oil

Instructions:

• Place a funnel in the top of a spray bottle and pour in the distilled water. Next, add the Castile soap.
• Pour in the orange essential oil and then screw on the spray top. Shake well to combine and it is ready to use. 

How To Use:

• Make sure to shake well before each use. There are no chemicals or binders in this recipe, so the ingredients may separate while it sits. 
• Spray the surface you want to clean liberally and then wipe away with sponge or cloth. You won’t believe how well this works!

SHARE:

The post DIY Orange-Scented Grease Cleaner appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Fret not if you develop a blood blister, as they are fairly harmless and go away after a while. You can easily identify them by the raised skin that has blood inside. They commonly occur on the feet and hands, or other areas of the body if you pinch the skin. After you develop one, however, proper care is necessary if you want to avoid problems during the healing process. The dos and don’ts in this article should help if you have a blood blister.

What Is A Blood Blister?

A blood blister is not too different from an ordinary blister or friction blister, which has clear fluid inside. Blood blisters contain blood mixed with clear fluid because pressure breaks blood vessels. They tend to appear purple, reddish, or black in color, with newer blood blisters appearing more red. Blood blisters can occur on any area of the body that is under pressure, for example, the feet, hands, joints, mouth, heels, toes, or balls of the feet. If you pinch your skin and it doesn’t break open, it’s common to develop a blood blister. 

Most blood blisters tend to heal on their own, with a healing period of about one to two weeks, depending on the severity. There is really no need to seek medical attention or take special action for treatment. The main objective is to keep the area clean and avoid causing further harm. Below, you’ll find some tips on what to do and what not to do if you get one. If you find that any of these tips assist your healing process, let us know in the comments below. 

Don’t Cut Or Pop The Blister

This is a rule that applies both to blood blisters and common blisters. Even though you may experience some pressure or irritation, the blister protects vulnerable skin underneath. When you break the skin you increase the risk of infection or scarring. Experts say that you should allow the blood blister time to dry and flatten on its own. If you develop a large blood blister that causes you significant pain, you may want to drain the fluid. If you go down that road, you have to be sure to use the right tools and procedures to keep the open wound clean.

Do Bandage The Blister

If you think that the blood blister will pop on its own, you should take action to protect it with a bandage. Bandage a larger, protruding blood blister that’s on the heel, arch of the foot, or another area that rubs against things. An adhesive bandage is acceptable for smaller blisters, but larger ones may require moleskin bandages. If the moleskin isn’t pre-cut for blisters, cut a hole and last that part right over the blister. That increases the padding around the blister to prevent more damage. 

Don’t Wear Shoes That Worsen The Blister

Don’t let your shoes win if you have a blood blister. They may be your favorite shoes ever, but if they rub the blood blister then your healing time will increase. Often times, footwear causes blood blisters, which is why podiatrists recommend wearing loose, breathable shoes to benefit your feet. Don’t crowd them; rather, allow enough room to wiggle the toes and move the foot around. 

Do Elevate And Ice Your Foot

Elevating a blood blister helps reduce swelling and minimize the size. This is especially important when you first develop or notice the blister. If the blood blister is the result of pinching the skin, or it simply causes you pain, apply an ice pack or other cold compress to the area. Make sure you wrap the cold pack in a towel or something to create a barrier between the skin and the cold. It’s not wise to apply a cold source directly on the skin.

Don’t Peel Away Skin From The Blister

The urge to lance, pick, or peel the blood blister can be strong, but it’s important not to rupture it. Don’t remove any of the skin, even if the blister is already broken. The protective layer still keeps the skin below healthy and clean. Peeling layers away can expose the fresh new skin to infection. Keep the skin in place until it naturally peels away. 

Do Clean A Broken Blister

If a blister bursts or you cut it, it’s your job to keep it as clean as possible. Make sure to drain the blister and then clean it with antiseptics. After washing and drying the blood blister, apply an antibacterial cream or ointment and then adhere a bandage. It is important to allow the wound to air out so that it can heal, but protect it when necessary so you can avoid complications. 

SHARE:

The post What To Do And What Not To Do For Blood Blisters appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The weather is warmer, which means it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors. Unfortunately, spending more time outside means exposing the body to pesky mosquitos. Some say that warm weather wouldn’t be what it is without a few mosquito bites! As true or false as that may be, it’s safe to say that mosquito bites are irritating, itchy, and can cause large swelling in certain people.

Unlike bees or wasps that inject venom during a sting, mosquitos inject a proboscis. This looks like a straw that sucks up small amounts of blood. It also releases anti-clotting agents and the immune system releases histamine as a response. That’s why small, itchy bumps develop at the site of the bite. When you get a mosquito bite, the last thing you want to do is constantly itch it. That only worsens the bite and the itching sensation. Instead, use the following home remedies to stop bites from itching. 

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a great healing agent that may reduce the itchiness associated with mosquito bites. Because baking soda is a natural base, it helps to counteract the acidity of the reaction between the body and mosquito saliva. Neutralizing the reaction can reduce irritation and stop it from itching. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda in some water to create a paste and apply it on the bite. 

Raw Honey

Raw honey exhibits natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it a popular home remedy. It has been known to accelerate the recovery of small cuts, sore throats, and bruises. Drop a little honey on a mosquito bite to reduce the inflammation. Covering it with honey can also deter the desire to scratch.

Basil

Because of its strong smell, basil works to naturally repel mosquitos. It may not work as a repellent if you’re outside, but it can help ward off mosquitos when placed near windows and doors. The anti-inflammatory properties work to reduce the swelling around bites and stop the itching.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Similar to raw honey, apple cider vinegar is a favorite ingredient among home remedy enthusiasts. If you have an itchy mosquito bite, dab it with a drop of apple cider vinegar. Not only does it act as a natural disinfectant, but it also works to get rid of any itchy or burning sensations. If you need more relief, soak a washcloth in a solution of apple cider vinegar and cold water. Apply that to the bite for a few minutes. 

Cold Compress

Exposing your bite to cold temperature creates a numbing sensation around the area. This works to calm the itching and reduce inflammation from the bite. Try your best to apply an ice pack to the bite as soon as possible after the initial bite. This will combat inflammation as it happens. 

Oatmeal

Take this classic breakfast staple and use it to stop the itching from mosquito bites. Oatmeal works to relieve swelling because it contains anti-irritant compounds. You can make an oatmeal paste by mixing equal parts water and oatmeal in a bowl. Once it forms a paste, spoon some onto a washcloth and hold it on the bite for 10 minutes. Wipe the area clean and you should feel relief. You can also take an oatmeal bath for 20 minutes if you have many mosquito bites and need relief. 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making it beneficial for wound healing. It has been known to fight bacteria, which reduces the risk of infection. In fact, tea tree oil is in several over-the-counter anti-itch treatments. Tea tree oil is a natural antihistamine that can help calm the swelling associated with mosquito bites. Additionally, it may also reduce the associated itching. Because it is quite strong, do not apply tea tree oil directly to the skin. Dilute it in a carrier oil like olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil. 

SHARE:

The post 7 Home Remedies To Make Mosquito Bites Stop Itching appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Some men despise shaving and let their facial hair grow wild. Others prefer a cleaner look, grooming their beards to a specific shape and length. Finally, there are those who relish in the moment after a close shave. The smooth skin is clean and fresh, but what are guys doing to nourish their post-shave skin? It doesn’t have to be an elaborate routine; rather, applying a simple DIY aftershave can do the trick.

What Is Aftershave?

Just as the name suggests, aftershave is something to treat your skin after you shave. Some guys enjoy the refreshing scent, but what are the real benefits? Well, that all depends on what comprises the aftershave. For the most part, alcohol-based aftershaves act like facial sanitizers, cleaning the tiny cuts on the epidermis post-shave. Most aftershaves contain isopropyl alcohol, which kills bacteria that potentially inhabit those little cuts. However, alcohol-based aftershaves can have harmful effects on the skin. 

It’s often better to nourish the skin with carrier oils and essential oils after you shave. Great natural moisturizers include sweet almond oil, aloe vera gel, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. These ingredients help to reduce itching, potential swelling, ingrown hairs, clogged pores, or follicle inflammation. It’s better to use an aftershave that contains those ingredients. That’s why you clicked on this article, hopefully. 

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a superstar for your skin, no matter if you have a sunburn, small wound, or freshly shaven skin. It encourages cell reproduction, working to regenerate and heal the skin without intense scarring. If the goal after you shave is to have the smoothest skin ever, aloe vera should be your go-to ingredient. Not only does it help to minimize the risk of acne, but it is also excellent for sensitive skin that’s prone to razor bumps. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil offers a very soothing and sinus-cleansing aroma, but that’s not why it’s in this aftershave recipe. The essential oil is naturally rich in antiseptic properties, vitamin A, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids. It helps to decrease inflammation and offers a cooling sensation that invigorates the skin when you apply it after shaving. Because of the antiseptic properties, peppermint essential oil helps reduce the risk of razor burns or rashes.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is well known for its myriad health benefits. It works to moisturize the skin, cleanse pores, and remove bad odors. It’s also beneficial to use after shaving because it helps prevent and even treat razor-related injuries. Tea tree oil helps to alleviate irritation after shaving because it is a natural astringent. Additionally, it helps remedy little nicks that occur as a natural result of shaving with a razor.

DIY Peppermint Tea Tree Aftershave

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup witch hazel
• 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 2 tablespoons filtered water
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions:

• Procure a four-ounce spray bottle and pour all of the ingredients into it. 
• Shake the bottle vigorously to combine. 
• Before each use, shake well and then spritz one or two sprays on your face after shaving. You can let it air dry or pat your face with a towel.

SHARE:

The post Homemade DIY Peppermint Tea Tree Aftershave appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The holidays mean different things to each person, but it’s safe to say that many people look forward to holiday scents. Whether you like classic baked goods (gingerbread cookies and pumpkin bread) or scented candles/lotions and cinnamon-spiced pine cones, the holidays fill the air with hints of ginger, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon. If you want to lather your body in these delicious scents, you are not alone. 

To prepare you for the holidays and help you keep your skin moisturized, we came across a one-of-a-kind gingerbread body lotion recipe. This lotion is the perfect way to enjoy the enchanting smells of the holiday season. That means that you don’t have to buy an assortment of unhealthy drinks and baked goods! No more excess calories! And your skin will be super soft and unfazed by the drying effects of winter.

This homemade gingerbread lotion contains numerous ingredients that encourage healthier skin. We’ve covered the skin-nourishing benefits of coconut oil and shea butter in previous DIY beauty articles, but we haven’t discussed the moisturizing benefits of ginger and cinnamon essential oils. 

Ginger Essential Oil For The Skin

Ginger has a science-backed and historical reputation as a healing agent. Many aromatherapists use ginger essential oil to help calm the stomach, improve breathing, relieve anxiety, and calm the mind. Ginger essential oil contains over 40 antioxidant properties, which work to protect the skin from premature aging, improve elasticity, and enhance complexion. It also has antiseptic properties and it helps the skin breathe by promoting detoxification. This can reduce the risk of acne or the development of blemishes. 

Cinnamon Essential Oil For The Skin

Many researchers consider cinnamon to be one of the oldest and most valuable spices in the world. It’s a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, and it’s now used to help improve numerous health ailments. Cinnamon essential oil contains four primary chemical compounds: cinnamyl acetate, eugenol acetate, eugenol, and cinnamaldehyde. Eugenol acetate exhibits antioxidant properties that help to increase moisture, while eugenol acetate has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help relieve inflammatory skin conditions. Cinnamon essential oil helps to hydrate the skin and increase circulation to the skin’s surface, reviving tone and youthful appearance.

Homemade Gingerbread Body Lotion

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup virgin coconut oil
• 1/2 cup shea butter
• 1 tablespoon ginger powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 5 drops ginger essential oil
• 5 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

• In a double boiler, melt the shea butter and coconut oil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure that they combine evenly.
• Pour this melted mixture into a metal or heat-safe glass bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. 
• Remove the bowl from the fridge and add the ginger, cinnamon, essential oils, and vanilla extract. 
• Using an electric hand mixer, whip the mixture until it is fluffy and smooth. The consistency should be similar to that of a body butter. 
• Spoon the mixture into an eight-ounce glass jar and store in a cool, dry place. If your house tends to be warm, the lotion will be soft and loose, but it will be firmer in a colder home. Either way is fine and safe to use. 

SHARE:

The post Homemade Gingerbread Body Lotion appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Most people who shave have experienced razor burn at least once in their lifetime. Shaving isn’t for everyone (no judgment here!), but the people who do shave want to avoid itchy, red bumps as much as possible. Whether you shave your face, legs, underarms, or bikini area, there are natural remedies to help relieve razor burn.

Prevention Is The Best Protection

Before we give you home remedies to relieve razor burn, it’s important to understand that you can prevent discomfort in the first place. It all starts with proper hair removal. Before you shave, dermatologists recommend exfoliating with a sugar scrub or wash cloth. When you apply the shaving gel or cream, leave it on for 10 minutes before using a sharp razor. Once you finish shaving, wash the shaved area with antiseptic or antibacterial soap and rinse with cold water. All of these steps elongate the shaving process, but they do reduce your risk of razor burn.

7 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Razor Burn

Apple Cider Vinegar

The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of apple cider vinegar make it an excellent remedy for razor burn. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can alleviate the irritation of micro-cuts left behind after shaving. The citric acid in apple cider vinegar is also an alpha hydroxy acid, meaning it can increase cell turnover to unclog ingrown hairs. Mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar, dab a cotton ball in the solution, and apply to the affected area. You can enhance this process by applying chilled black tea bags on the skin afterwards.

Tea Tree Oil

Many studies on tea tree oil found that it exhibited antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea tree oil has been incorporated into traditional healing practices to help soothe burns and accelerate the healing of minor wounds. It is very important to dilute tea tree oil in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or olive oil. Because tea tree oil has astringent properties, apply a diluted mixture to razor burn to soothe irritation and reduce the itchy, burning sensation.

Baking Soda

The use of baking soda to soothe razor burn is an old-fashioned remedy. All you need to do is mix one tablespoon of baking soda into one cup of filtered water. Stir the mixture to ensure it is thoroughly combined. Dab a cotton ball in mixture and then apply it to the affected razor burn area. Let it dry on the skin before you rinse it with cold water. Do this two to three times a day to reduce redness and stinging. 

An Oatmeal Bath

Traditionally used for soothing symptoms of dermatitis, eczema, or general itchiness, oatmeal baths are excellent if you have razor burn, especially on your legs. The beta-glucan in oatmeal works to create a protective and moisturized barrier on the skin. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of oatmeal also accelerate healing and reduce the red bumps. If you don’t want to add one to two cups of oats to a lukewarm bath, you can mix equal parts yogurt and ground oats in a bowl and apply that to the razor burn. Let it sit on the skin for 30 minutes before you wash it off with warm water. 

Black Tea Bags

You don’t have to go out and buy the most expensive black tea for this to work. Black tea contains tannic acid, which helps to reduce any inflammation or redness by soothing the skin. It also helps with the burning sensation of razor burn. Steep black tea back in warm water for about ten minutes before rubbing it on your razor burn. Rinse with warm water after three minutes and repeat twice daily. 

Witch Hazel

A lot of people use witch hazel to help clear up blemishes or bad acne because it has powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make it an excellent home remedy for razor burn. The tannins in witch hazel actually repair broken skin caused by razor burn when you apply it to the affected area. There’s no need to mix witch hazel with anything. Simply apply it to the razor burn to accelerate healing.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of the best natural remedies for reducing inflammation or burning on the skin. You can squeeze the gel from a fresh aloe leaf onto the razor burn area and let it sit for 10 minutes to provide relief. Don’t buy aloe vera gel with artificial colors and alcohol from the store because that won’t help. The topical application of fresh aloe vera gel helps improve the skin’s barrier, and many studies found that it exhibits anti-inflammatory activity upon interacting with the skin.

SHARE:

The post 7 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Razor Burn appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.